History of Woods - Valentine
Woods-Valentine Mortuary
was established by James and Annie Mae Woods. James Woods came
to Pasadena, California in 1922 from Gonzales, Texas. He was
determined to take advantage of every opportunity to make a
better life for he and his family. He operated a shoe shine
stand at Union Street and Fair Oaks Avenue, in the area which
is now Old Town Pasadena. Across the street from his stand was
Reynolds and Eberle Mortuary, a white owned establishment. James
began to work part-time at Reynolds and Eberle and learned the
business. He graduated from California College of Mortuary Science
1926 and opened the doors of James Woods Funeral Parlor on December
15, 1928. The original mortuary was located at 87 S. Vernon
Street, in Pasadena, California.
"Jimmy", as James
was affectionately called by many in the community, operated
the business along with his wife, Annie Mae Woods. Annie Mae
was a cosmetologist. They quickly built a reputation for providing
a professional and dignified funeral service. Fred and Clifton
Valentine and James Adkins, Jimmy's nephews, worked around the
business growing up. Jimmy loved family and encouraged them
to learn the business.
James Woods passed away
in 1950. His nephew Fred W. Valentine, operated the business
for Annie Mae Woods until November 1954, when he and his wife,
Arzella J. Valentine, purchased it. In 1958 the mortuary was
renamed, Woods-Valentine Mortuary. In 1963, Fred and Arzella
built the mortuary at it's current location, 1455 N. Fair Oaks
Ave., Pasadena and selected their motto "Our Aim Is
To Be Worthy Of Your Confidence." They have carried on
the family tradition of providing caring and professional services
to the community.
Woods-Valentine is one of
the oldest Black owned businesses in the Pasadena, as well as
San Gabriel Valley area. It is a third generation business with
the Valentine's daughters, Janyce L. Valentine and Gail Valentine
Taylor, actively involved in its operation.
